Subzero 36" Built-in or Integrated

11 years ago

I'm looking at either the Subzero built-in BI-36 (single door) or integrated IT-36. Both would be bottom freezer.

I think I prefer the BI interior layout because the top shelf is not so high compared to the IT. However, the IT has an internal water dispenser which the BI does not have. I wish the BI had a water dispenser :)

So I guess I am leaning toward the IT mainly because of the water dispenser, but am worried about the top shelf. Household members are a little below average in heights.

This is a hard decision. Any comments would be appreciated.

Featured Answer

malba2366

11 years ago

I was also honestly quite unimpressed by the SZ integrated line, it does not feel as well built as the BI line. In integrated refrigeration the BSH built (thermador, miele, gaggneau) products feel much better built also they have a better hinge system which will allow the doors to open wider.

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Comments (8)

eam44
11 years ago
Just so you know, the BI can be installed as an integrated fridge. Can't do anything about the water though. I too nixed the IT because I can't reach the back of the top shelf. I'm 5'2". Ridiculous design. I also dislike having the compressor on the ground.
Melissa Johnson
11 years ago
We went integrated, but Thermador. We worked around the water dispenser issue by installing a filtered hot/cold instant hot unit at the sink.
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Kit Kat
Original Author
11 years ago
Neither would be paneled. I would go with the stainless on the BI or buy the stainless panel on the IT.
malba2366
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I personally like the integrated look but my wife who is 5'2" finds the top shelf too high so we will be going with the BI. I would not want the ice/water dispenser as these are the major failure points on all fridges.
Arlynn
11 years ago
We went BI because the capacity was better for our needs: 16.4 cu ft fridge and 5.3 freezer vs. 13.3/6.4 for the integrated. I keep much more fresh food on hand than frozen, and it's easy to expand freezer space with a basement/garage unit. Harder to expand fridge space unless you just buy a bigger fridge, and many kitchens don't have space for a 42" unit or for a supplemental fridge like drawers or an undercounter unit.

Also, the BI and integrated we examined had different roll-out hardware on the drawers (weird, right?) and the BI's system was much smoother. Like johnsoro25, we had the kitchen space for a filtered hot/cold unit so a water dispenser wasn't one of our must-haves.
cookncarpenter
11 years ago
I chose the Liebherr integrated over the SZ, for the same reasons malba mentions.

Glad I did, love the fridge! Worth looking at, Mike...
leemiller
11 years ago
We got a subzero and I suppose it is the built in since we don't have a water dispenser. I got an insta-hot and filtered water dispenser for the sink. Since the water dispensers break on fridges we went this route.